In a landmark decision, the Maharashtra government has given a nod to providing sanitary napkins to women in rural areas for ₹5. 

b’Source: IndiaMike/ Image used for representation only’

The decision, which was taken at the state Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis, was shared by Women and Child Development Minister Pankaja Munde on Twitter:

“The use of sanitary pads (among girls and women) stands at around 17% due to high costs. It has also been noticed that girls remain absent for 50-60 days a year during their menstrual cycles. Thus, along with health, absenteeism was also an issue,” Munde told PTI.

b’Source: dailystar’

The scheme called Asmita will be available to 7 lakh girls studying in government schools, and intends to increase the percentage of usage of sanitary pads to 75 % from the current 17 % in rural Maharashtra, reported HT. 

The scheme will be implemented from March 8, International Women’s Day. 

Feature image used for representational purpose only.